The English Samba in 2014?

The 2014 FIFA World Cup will be the 20th edition of the competition. Brazil (The most successful team) will become only the fifth country to have hosted the FIFA World Cup twice. Only six times in the history of the competition, has the host nation won the tournament, the last being France in 1996.

England's last triumph in the competition came on home soil nearly half a century ago. Critics have already labeled their chances of being victorious extremely slim. However, on closer observation there still remain elements which entice optimism. One major attribute is the rise of the young players breaking through the first teams at their respective clubs. The emergence of superstars like Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Danny Welbeck, Daniel Sturridge, Scott Sinclair etc can contribute significantly to an already well established and experienced side. Coupled with this, England now have a very competent English manager in Roy Hodgson at the helm. Just a few months after becoming the manager, Hodgson guided England to the quarter finals where they fell (on penalties 4-2) to a superior Italian side on the day. Under the stewardship of Roy Hodgson the team has showed a pleasing sense of togetherness. The 2014 World Cup is around the bend and just maybe England could be doing the Samba.